With the opening session having finished level at 4-4, Wu assumed control from the outset in the evening, combining assured break-building with clinical punishment of Murphy’s mistakes.
Wu takes charge with early surge
The Chinese starlet quickly established momentum, compiling breaks of 82 and 103 to move 6-4 ahead. Murphy briefly stemmed the flow with a composed 70, but was unable to prevent Wu from extending his advantage before the interval.
Where Murphy faltered, Wu capitalised. Even after a couple of early fouls following the restart, the 22-year-old was soon back in control, producing a fluent 89 to stretch his lead to 8-5.
Murphy’s missed chances prove costly
Murphy continued to create opportunities but could not sustain pressure. A break of 70 brought him back into contention, yet a promising position in the 15th frame slipped away after a positional error, allowing Wu to respond with a decisive 66 and restore his cushion.
The final frame of the session underlined the contrast between the two. Murphy appeared set to limit the damage, building a 39-point lead, but opted for safety at a key moment after losing position. Wu seized the initiative with a superb long red and cleared with 91 to steal the frame and extend his lead to three.
Murphy will take encouragement from the chances he has created, but faces a significant task on the final day. Wu, composed and efficient, requires eight more frames to secure the world title when play resumes.